[5:57] Very good from Tsonga. Third set. Did well to earn the break and serving well. Got hit by an Andy shot in a rather unfortunate place… dude is doign well to be standing.

[5:14] Tsonga isn’t moving well and really having trouble hitting his big shots. First serve percentage is up but it’s not always effective. Only one error from Murray, absolutely focused.

[5:06] Simply too good from Murray. Hasn’t taken his time out of the gate and is seeing the ball and moving wonderfully. Jo not getting the first serve. Curious if there’s some back issues. Doesn’t much matter. This is over soon.

[4:37] Great patterns of play from both. Interested in playing their games and dictating on serve, which they are. Early bonehead break from Jo means he tosses away the first set. Can’t afford one of those. Far from over.

[4:13] These are the types of matches where not having a coach may cost Jo. Has come out swinging in his earlier matches, but Murray will keep the ball low and likely keep Jo from unleashing some of his bigger shots. Looks like he’s interested in coming to net to keep points short, which is good. Has found success there in this tournament. Already down a break. Needs to get out of first gear. 0-3 to Murray.

[4:03] Tough match to call. Kamakshi Tandon was right on when she said that Federer played at a B+ level while Novak played at a B-. Movement sub par from Novak and couldn’t quite get the footing on some shots. Looked a bit like me out there at times, if I’m honest (that is not a compliment). Still, Fed very rarely needed to up his game into top gear and when he did, he often found success. Tough to know how good he will be for Sunday, but regardless of the second semifinal, we will have a match on our hands.

[3:10] Commentators not trying to get ahead of themselves, but I think you can. Fed serving well, and in a fast rhythm. Up 1-4, needs two more holds. Don’t want to say it’s in the bag, but pretty damn close.

[3:00] Some terrible, terrible misses from Djokovic, it has to be said. Federer in complete control and not by his own doing, but he’ll take it. 4 holds away from another final.

[2:57] It seemed like vintage Federer there. Not the shot making, but that his opponent cracked under the pressure, and the momentum was all his. A terribly missed overhead, and a straight forward break. Two sets to one.

[2:45] Federer digs out of trouble. My oh my. Quality of returning has gone up, both players obviously realize how crucial of a point in the match this is. Djokovic to serve, 4-5.

[2:35] IT. IS. ALIVE. Real urgency, incredible points. Djokovic really showing his movement here. It’s helped. Both guys looking to go for it a little bit more on the return as well.

[2:21] Sorry about that. Had to take care of something. Set all, 2 all. Nice and juicy.

[1:33] Well that was fast. Insanely fast, in fact. 6-3. Comfortable, and very little energy spent by either. 24 minutes.

[1:27] Is it the court? The roof? Djokovic looks focused but not quite… settled. Making some strange decisions to come to net and his footing has not been fantastic so far. Crowd will get behind Federer quickly here. Up a break, 4-2.

[1:20] 2-2. First serve percentage is going to be key, particularly for Federer. Djokovic will start to pounce if he can get a few second serves, and his return looks on. Djokovic noted that he felt returning was easier under the roof as well.

[1:13] Ceremonial holds from both, then.

[1:09] Hi! Let’s do it.

I always hated Martina Hingis. As a fan of the women’s game, I didn’t quite understand her. And it bugged me. I was still young (very, very young) and the word “fan” might not properly describe what was my Anna Kournikova love. A small girl, Hingis seemed able to win points she had no business being in, and beating opponents she had no business beating.

Recently, she has said that she much prefers being compared to Radwanska instead of Wozniacki, and I have to agree.

I have written in the past couple of weeks that power is never to be underestimated in women’s tennis. This is still true. Much like big servers tended to be the scissors to the returners rock in men’s 1990s tennis, the power in the women’s game is the rock to the defender’s scissors. It doesn’t matter how sharp you are on the ball, you will eventually be overpowered.

Slowly but surely, Radwanska has been turning heads. Since the beginning of 2011, every major winner has been a big hitter: Serena, Li Na, Kvitova, Stosur, Azarenka, Sharapova. Radwanska has been a constant of the top 10 for some time, and fans have often joked about her as the “ninja”. It’s not hard to get why.

Despite seemingly having no “weapons”, long going without a clothing sponsor and playing a controlled, often emotionless game, she tends not to make a lot of noise in the draw. Yet she always seems to be in the mix, and it wasn’t until this year’s Miami win that she finally looked like a player capable of taking a serious scalp.

To start, Radwanska isn’t a counterpuncher. At least in my eye (there’s no true definition of the word). To me, a counterpuncher is a player who counters power by returning it with interest. They’re someone who can test big hitting players because pace of shot can actually become an asset to them. Think Andy Murray or Zheng Jie for example.

Undoubtedly, Radwanska is what we might think of as a defensive player. She is not a big hitter or a big server and doesn’t win points by overwhelming players. However, this does not mean she is similar to a player like Wozniacki. Aga does push the ball, but sensibly, and is interested in constructing points, where as Wozniacki tends to play things as safe as possible (though, hopefully, signs point towards this changing).

Above all else, Radwanska has absolutely incredible hands. She very rarely makes unforced errors, something common in table tennis players, but not regular tennis players. Of any sex or from any planet.

It’s easy to chuckle at her squatting shots from seemingly centimeters from the earth. I would argue that they are one of her secret weapons. They are made possible by her incredibly strong and flexible legs, but also her hands, as she is able to adjust quickly to ensure the ball makes it over the net. The ability to do this means that she is able to stand in closer to the baseline, and the depth of shot on a fast surface does little to no damage against her. Even if the ball is quick and bounces low on the grass, it can quickly be dug out and neutralized by the SquatShot(TM).

Grass is a fast surface, but also a low bouncing surface, and Aga uses this to her advantage. She keeps shots low, not only with slices and drop shots but regular shots off both wings, and her ability to get balls back is incredible. Lastly, she is able to win long rallies because she is able to make the necessary point winning shot, in the vein of Federer. Wozniacki will often out last players to the point that they make an error or she has a wide open court to hit into. Radwanska is perfectly fine with waiting for a sliver of daylight and pouncing.

Simply put, unless players can hit hard and create their own pace against Radwanska, the options are slim. Radwanska is fine for players to hang in long rallies, in which they will most likely make the first error. She is also fine with them opening up the court, as she can play sublime defense as well as take advantage of steep angles and drag opponents off course when necessary.

What Radwanska will have trouble with, as did Hingis, is a player that can create their own pace of shot and punish the ball from nothing. This means Serena Williams. Regardless, she will return better than Azarenka did and she will think her way through the match. Regardless of what happens on Sunday, Radwanska is a victory for traditional tennis and those who can think their way through matches instead of bash their way to victory.

Two years ago in Toronto, something strange happened. It’s not often that the top men play doubles, and rarely, if ever, do they actually play together. Regardless, they could be taken seriously. Rafa Nadal had won top doubles titles with his Spanish partner Marc Lopez, and while hardly being a doubles specialist, Novak Djokovic’s fantastic returning and flexibility were to combine to make quite the team.

There’s something about Canadians on home soil, it has to be said.

The team of virtual unknowns, Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil would entertain the crowd under the lights of the Rexall Centre and take them out in a super tiebreak.

When recalling the win, Raonic chuckled. “After that when I did start doing well. I think people have a sense of intimidation which helps in sports.”

Since then he has risen into the top 30 of the world, including several ATP 250 titles to his name. With a return to Wimbledon after an injury last year, the big serving Canadian didn’t quite find the result he would have liked, falling to another tall, big server in American Sam Querrey.

“I was frustrated I didn’t play my best. [But] I think my game is in a very good position. Its not only a question of getting a good draw anymore. I feel I can put myself in a position to win.”

With the injury last year, Raonic missed the entire summer hard court swing, including the US Open. With a major gap in points to take advantage of this year, Raonic will head to Newport and then the much anticipated Olympics, held on the grass courts of Wimbledon, five or six days before the opening ceremonies.

I think its very different. A lot of things can change in 3 weeks. … They play well one day. They play poorly the next. I’ve taken a lot of big steps these first 6 months. Not only with my tennis but my ability to handle pressure and those sorts of things.

Raonic couldn’t hide his excitement for the Olympic opportunity. “I always would have enjoyed that opportunity as a kid. We get very stuck on the grand slams as a kid. I think the whole excitement of the Olympics is that … it’s great athletes in every sport. It’s really an amazing time. To be surrounded by great athletes in different sports and your own sport is truly an amazing thing.”

However, for Raonic, and all of Canada, the highlight of the season will be the Rogers Cup held in Toronto. Raonic is a Toronto native and will have a chance to make a massive impact in front of the home crowds. For Milos, the people and facilities are incredibly familiar.

“Not only going to watch the tournament but training there. When I am home I do spend a lot of time training there. I do have a lot of familiarity. It’s a very easy tournament for me, per se. I know where I want to eat and all of these things. The whole sense of being here in Toronto and being home, there’s an ease to it and an excitement to do well. To hope for my best tennis and my best level during that week. Its a big opportunity that I really look forward to. If here is really where I can make the difference… for tennis and the public eye, just outside of one of the grand slams.”

Promoting the sport with Tennis Canada has been on the agenda, and with a super star in the making, people are taking notice. “There’s a lot more people excited for the sport. I don’t know how much people are watching tennis but I know that I watched the Euro Cup on Sunday downtown and after went to see how the celebrations were like on College and Bathurst. A lot of people were recognizing me there. A lot of people that weren’t tennis bred and grown up and tennis. A lot of regular people. When you do get these people involved in it, they get their kids in the sport. Its not only that you see it in Canada, but you see it in the business stand point. A lot of companies making big commitments to televise outside of the Rogers Cup and the grand slams. ”

However, Raonic hasn’t let the pressure get to him. “There’s more responsibility off the court. When I step on the court I don’t think so. This sport I play, this sport I enjoy and the desire to win is for myself. I don’t want anything more than to succeed… what I want is since I was a little kid, not because people want me to win.”

Regardless, the entire country will be cheering on Milos on his home courts in Toronto, starting on August 6th.

Side note: I’ll be in Toronto the entire week once again, covering it for @TennisNewsTPN as well as my account @MindTheRacket. Can’t wait.

The rules are easy, predict who will win each semifinal and in how many sets. That’s it! You have a 1 in 36 chance of being right, by the way. You can leave your guess in the comments, or as always, tweet me at @MindTheRacket. The winner gets a special shoutout, probably a follow, and to look like a total freaking genius. Hit me! (Updates will come to the post sporadically.)

Djokovic in 3, Murray in 3: @arcticpandas
Djokovic in 4, Murray in 3: @Hampden69
Djokovic in 5, Murray in 3:

Djokovic in 3, Murray in 4: @VladVanVuy, @Philip_Porter
Djokovic in 4, Murray in 4: @scottastic, @RacquetRequired, @rosso_neri, @NolePH, @suboticjelena
Djokovic in 5, Murray in 4: @stephd89, @hankandlucysdad

Djokovic in 3, Murray in 5:
Djokovic in 4, Murray in 5: @mzemek, @anna_tennisfan, ccmac, @CJStephenson
Djokovic in 5, Murray in 5:

Djokovic in 3, Tsonga in 3:
Djokovic in 4, Tsonga in 3:
Djokovic in 5, Tsonga in 3:

Djokovic in 3, Tsonga in 4: @eaglestds
Djokovic in 4, Tsonga in 4: @MindTheRacket, @Chalk_Flew_Up, @ChristinaNcl
Djokovic in 5, Tsonga in 4: @northernsooner

Djokovic in 3, Tsonga in 5: @deucejunkie, @rosiejaggs
Djokovic in 4, Tsonga in 5: @osbornekojak, @EMBuddy, @SouthernTeach, @elliejackson1, @AdvantageAlex
Djokovic in 5, Tsonga in 5:

Federer in 3, Murray in 3:
Federer in 4, Murray in 3:
Federer in 5, Murray in 3:

Federer in 3, Murray in 4:
Federer in 4, Murray in 4: @4AllSurfaces, @salish3
Federer in 5, Murray in 4: @nidssserz, @ITakeTheeTennis, @raindelaysplay, @StephintheUS, @Curtos07, @Fatimahhh, @anticold

Federer in 3, Murray in 5:
Federer in 4, Murray in 5: @Ales_Alessandra
Federer in 5, Murray in 5: @AnaTennisGirl

Federer in 3, Tsonga in 3:
Federer in 4, Tsonga in 3:
Federer in 5, Tsonga in 3:

Federer in 3, Tsonga in 4:
Federer in 4, Tsonga in 4: @jouljet
Federer in 5, Tsonga in 4: @4TheTennis

Federer in 3, Tsonga in 5:
Federer in 4, Tsonga in 5: @betol, @MaryLangstrump, @Mixonario
Federer in 5, Tsonga in 5:

[7:12] A terrible third set on so many levels. I don’t even know how Kerber won that, but she did. The Kerber/Azarenka final is still on! Lord. That’s it for me for today, I need to shower (off the idiocy of that third set) and get on with the day or something. Post or two later, and back tomorrow, of course. Enjoy Azarenka/Paszek!

[7:01] What a third set. Again, negative from Kerber who double faults to break herself, then hits some fantastic shots to get the break back. No tiebreaks. If she holds here, it will be 5-5. Jeebs.

[6:43] Have to say, good chance Kiri/Aga don’t finish today. Covers on. Hard to know but tight for time now, with light also an issue.

[6:41] Battle of who really wants it now. Traded breaks, traded holds. Kerber has such terrible body language but the intensity of Lisicki is gone and she’s back to making a lot of errors. Similar problems for both. Kerber needs to just crank a couple of big shots in a return game and get pumped up again.

[6:37] Very negative tennis from Kerber. Looks pretty terrible, really. Big hold needed here.

[6:31] So inconsistent from Sabine, but she can turn it up when she needs to, and it tends to work. Kerber incredibly negative despite being up a break, and Sabine breaks back. Funny old sport. Short cross court forehand working incredibly well for Kerber, when she hits it clean.

[6:01] Kiri and Aga are so close. Kiri starting to take the chances she gets. Good hold from her too. Bloody hell the scream is out of control though. On serve, Aga 2-3.

[5:47] Amazing stuff from Radwanska. So creative, so steady. Can be overpowered, but you need to be patient enough and deadly in your shot making. If not, the ninja will punish you, and she’s doing just that.

[5:31] Lisicki is hanging in, but by her finger nails. Still down a break. Not much hope. Raining on court 1 the second I turn it on. Of course.

[5:14] Trainer for Sabine, little hand problem. Dropped the first set without much trouble. The wild, looping swings are back and the timing is off. Again, footwork not really getting her into the right position so the ball ends up with a life of its own.

[5:08] Much better from Sabine. More energy and more control because of it. Kerber having more trouble going down the line and the court is opening up. Not terrible for Sabine who is always willing to punish when she has the chance.

[4:54] Virginia Wade is always this bad, isn’t she? Not a lot of concentration or energy from Sabine. It takes a lot to play the type of game she does. There needs to be a lot of adjusting, in the feet, grip, swing etc. in order to consistently get on top. Not quite happening.

[4:49] Oh dear. Sabine totally lacking in intensity, not moving nearly as well, particularly in her footwork, getting down to lower balls. Really needs to hack her way through these next few games to try and get something going.

[4:40] Woops! Forgot to hit the update button. Great match-up for Serena, through in straights. Moving better and with supreme confidence. Off we go with Lisicki/Kerber.

[4:07] Good stuff from Petra. At times, footwork that resembles mine and not a top tennis player, but she is fighting hard which is great to see. Serena cracked under pressure a bit. 4-5 then.

[4:02] This is what you hoped to see when you signed up. Some close games but some determined hitting when it matters, and all on serve in the second. Very good chance this could come down to a tiebreak. Hard to call.

[3:41] First set to Serena and still looking dangerous. It’s one of the things that often puts her apart from other big hitters. She almost barely ever fades in the second set. Still, Petra has come out swinging in this second set. As she should. 1-2.

[3:17] All Serena. Kvitova forgetting to move her feet at times. Was afraid this could happen to her. She hasn’t quite been the same since last year’s win. This match-up is perfect for Serena as well.

[3:02] Flipped to the slugfest of Petra/Serena. Duh. Power meets power.

[2:51] Kiri playing incredibly well but blowing some big time chances here. Should have had a break. If she can keep hitting this hard and well she can win, but if she can’t, she’ll have other things to think about.

[2:46] Rain. Still rain. Misty by the looks. Still makes things wet. Sam Smith makes a great point. An ump can’t feel how the grass feels with her hand, it’s about the feel on the shoe. Indeed. Play about to start back up again.

[2:37] Ladies quarterfinals, then! Kiri/Aga under way.

- Has Rosol destroyed our supreme jadedness over upsets? I think we’re pretty wise as a tennis community, but it is safe to say that we often underestimate players we know little about. When you have superhuman energy levels, you can pull off the unthinkable. Dodig did the same thing last year in Montreal.

- As I briefly alluded to in my tactics post, Andy Murray can have a heck of a time sorting it out against lesser opponents, and those that give him little pace on the ball. While he can serve big, he desperately needs to improve the punch of his shots, and particularly go for the backhand if he ever wants to win this tournament. Hit the ball, Andy.

- I haven’t seen much of his play, but Juan Martin del Potro may just be sorting it out on grass. The surface will never be kind to him in the bounce category, but he has the power in his forehand to back up the serve. He also has underrated defense, especially with his block backhand that will allow him to be in more return games than an Isner, Querrey or Raonic. A match against a barely mentioned Ferrer is a tough test on Tuesday, but there is a legitimate chance that he could improve his already impressive run.

- How soon we forget. Azarenka spent a total of 3 hours and 22 minutes in her first three matches and has now blown out Ivanovic, dropping only one game. While focus has largely been around the new number 1 Sharapova, Serena and defending champ Kvitova, it was only weeks ago that Azarenka was number one and coming off of her first major title. Like any massive hitter her game translates well, and her willingness to go for big shots is paying off in spades.

- Last year at Wimbledon, Kerber lost in the first round to one Laura Robson. (Thanks @BenRothenberg.) Since then she made the semis of the US Open, drastically improved her fitness, found success on clay, and has now destroyed Kim Clijsters to make the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. Her massive lefty game can at times remind of Kvitova, and I went as far as saying that she would take advantage of the draw and make the final. At this stage, that is not an impossible ask.

- I must say, I underestimated Kvitova. She hasn’t done a whole lot since her Wimbledon win last year, but she is proving that grass court specialists can exist. With Serena struggling to dominate, that match is nearly impossible to call. Still, I’d take Azarenka as the favourite to make the final.

Sabine Lisicki can smack the crap out of a tennis ball. Ever since she broke on to the scene in 2009 winning the Charleston title without dropping a set, she has been a player to watch. I went as far to say that she had the talent to one day win a major title.

Since then, it has been a series of ups and downs that have fragmented her career into bits and pieces of hope and disaster. However, last year Sabine hinted at her ability on the grass, as she knocked out Li Na after saving match points and made the semifinals as a wildcard. More injuries and losses, and we come to this tournament.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Lisicki coming in. With a tricky draw, I was pretty hesitant that she would be able to get anything going. Firstly she moved through Martic rather easily. Her second and third rounders where very different tests. First, she dropped the first set to the big forehanded Serb Bojana “Bojangles” Jovanovski, and needed to grind out an 8-6 third set win. After that was young power player Sloane Stephens, who she took out 6-2 in the third.

While I love players who can figure out a plan B, Lisicki is a player who should only resort to that in extreme circumstances. She is one of the biggest hitting players under 6 feet that we have seen for years, and must play an offensive game, especially on a fast surface like grass. Any other style of play reaped few rewards and she was forced to sort it out on court against two different like minded players. Sort it out, or you’re out of the tournament.

It is perhaps no surprise that she was ready for the Sharapova test in the fourth round. As noted, she beat Li Na last year on grass and after playing two other big hitters, the attitude was clearly to go for it. “From the first point I felt I was the better player and I was going to take it home. And that’s what I did.”

Truly, Sabine routined Sharapova the way Sharapova typically breezes through players unable to deal with her pace. Sabine’s ability to anticipate shots, get low to the ground and then unleash hell on both wings was truly extraordinary, and she beat Sharapova at her own game. Her serving was above average and her returning was truly spectacular. Above all else, grass forces her to shorten her swings at time, and slowly the big, loopy errors are finding their way out of Beanie’s game.

Developing into a true power player is not easy in the women’s game, particularly without the height and reach advantage other players have. However, Sabine is confident and controlled, the perfect combination to continue blowing out opponents on grass and summer hard courts.

Stuck at work? Without Twitter? Need a place to follow along? Catching up? I’ve got you covered! I’ll be on Twitter as well, but this will be my place for catching up with all of the days action. Tell a friend! Comments welcome.

[4:55] Rain. Good news for Tsonga. Maybe he can find his first serve in the locker room. Roof will have to close on centre. Also good news for Ivanovic. Could use the coach help more than anything.

[4:53] Ivanovic seems like she’s been on a walk about since the match started. Overwhelmed by Azarenka’s power. Not returning or serving well. Azarenka is hitting a lot of balls deep, but Ivanovic has no interest in trying to get on top of some of the shorter ones. Not a good sign. Tsonga living very dangerously as well, largely due to his first serve disappearing.

[4:50] Flipping Ivanovic off. Would really need Azarenka to drop her level and I don’t see that happening. Again, Tsonga struggling to find his serve. Very well may be his undoing.

[4:40] When serving and volleying works, boy does it work. First set to Mardy Fis who is just ripping the cover off the ball and leaving Tsonga with zero options.

[4:38] Back. Tsonga and Ivanovic. Let’s do this.

[3:08] When you can hit this big and command the court this well, it doesn’t much matter who is on the other side of the net. Truly. Absolutely mesmerizing stuff from the powerful German.

[3:01] Set and a break to Lisicki, 0-3. Sharapova really against the wall now.

[2:56] Lisicki looks like she never stopped moving. Sharapova a total mess. Two double faults.

[2:53] Sharapova and Lisicki back on.

[2:10] Most play stopped for the rain. Shvedova/Serena carry on. 30-30 now.

[1:58] Double fault, return forehand winner, error. Sharapova was at 40-30 to go 5-all, suddenly it’s the first set for Lisicki. Needs to keep the intensity up if she wants a shot.

[1:45] Kvitova hanging in the second set with Fran. Serena in the third set with Slava. Lord.

[1:43] Sharapova dropped the first set against Sabine in Australia this year, but Sabine’s level and intensity dropped significantly after. Not sure if it will after this set. She’s spent a lot less energy on grass too. Sharapova, 2-5. Federer’s movement apparently not what it normally is.

[1:38] Medical timeout to Fed. That… never happens. Like actually. It doesn’t happen. Too many matches going on right now. Lisicki at 4-2.

[1:35] Second tournament in a row I have picked one player to win the ladies title and taken another in tennis pool. Last time I took Sharapova to win it, didn’t pick her in pool. Took her in pool, didn’t pick her to win it. Right. Lisicki looks like she has a legitimate chance at the upset. Still early, and Sharapova’s mental strength will test the German. Might hit it so hard it won’t matter.

[1:27] Not sure this “Lisicki’s confidence is low” thing really works. She lost four straight matches, but loves grass and always has the right idea. Good service game from her. 102.

[1:24] Break right back to Lisicki. Like the idea. Looks interested in moving Sharapova forward when possible. Forehand looks on.

[1:21] A little late getting going here, but what can you do. Sharapova/Lisicki and whatever else I can keep an eye on. Crazy day. Opening break to Sharapova, commentators already writing off Lisicki. Right then.

Stuck at work? Without Twitter? Need a place to follow along? Catching up? I’ve got you covered! I’ll be on Twitter as well, but this will be my place for catching up with all of the days action. Tell a friend! Comments welcome.

[4:58] Big thanks to those who have read the live blog. It’s a nice place to scratch down random thoughts as they come. Going to close it up for today. Working on a big post on tennis tactics (and the similarity to football) and off later to watch the second Euro semfinal (go figure). I’ll be back tomorrow, and then all of next week. Thanks for reading!

[4:01] Good win for Ivanovic. Playing very erratically. It’s good though. She’s going for it, which she needs to on grass… and every surface. Making a lot of errors because of it, but so be it. She has next to no success when she tries to hold back and feel her way through rallies. She’s not that type of player, and never will be. In that sense, you have to give props to Li Na. She goes out, goes for it, and if she burns out, so be it. Has to be a similar approach for Ivanovic, I think. She’s doing enough to get through, and putting pressure on her opponents. That’s what matters at the end of the day. She’ll get Goerges in the next round, which should be a great, forehand destroying match.

[3:39] Only a matter of time before Ivo bored me to death. To Ivanovic. 5-6 in the second. Tiebreak could be a messy affair.

[3:29] There really is little in this match. Some interesting points, some unreturnable serves, some service holds. Duh. 1-2.

[3:17] What an odd set. Double fault from Ivo, set to Murray. Murray moving quite well, returning well. Good signs.

[2:45] Focusing on Murray. Bit too frustrating from Ana, if I’m honest. Good hands from Karlovic. Murray doing a great job to get stuff back but Ivo is ready for it. Still amazes me how laboured yet fluid Karlovic’s motion is.

[2:41] Ha. Ivo comes to net, lucky net cord, ball goes flying past him and lands in. On serve again, 1-1. Right. Should be an odd match. Bit of a wind in the stadium too by the looks.

[2:38] One day you’re killing it on centre court as the only match in play, the next day you’re playing Alize Cornet on court 14. Funny sport this. Murray broken against Karlovic, set is basically over already.

[2:31] Amazing interview from Baker. Guy has come such a long way to get back to playing tennis, and really is playing well. Inspiring stuff. Murray up coming. Ivanovic grinding away on court 3 against Bondarenko. Backhand actually looks pretty good. Getting through the zone quick, relatively confident with it.

[2:17] Pressure does strange things to people. Sharapova put all the pressure on Pironkova, and that was it really. Well played. Murray is up coming as Serena is through easily, and Ivanovic up next as Malisse downs Simon. I’ll have both of those. Curious to see how Murray will do.

[2:04] Pironkova is without a sniff. Has the game to trouble Sharapova, but if Masha can just crush the living crap out of the ball, there’s little anyone can do. About to be 4-0. This one is all but done. Ice Queen ahoy.

[1:57] Very good hitting from Sharapova. Not trying to crush it, just controlling it and placing it where it needs to go. Pressure clearly on Pironkova and she’s not dealing very well. Early break, 1-0.

[1:48] Well. Pironkadonk and here wonky game have pushed Masha into a third. This might get… loud.

[1:46] Apparently repeatedly getting less than 6 hours of sleep each night catches up with you. Who knew. Up now! Masha/Tsveti on then.

[12:15] Back in a few.

[12:02] Lots of big name players on tap for today, not the most exciting of matches. However, there is likely to be an upset somewhere, so keep an eye open.

Stuck at work? Without Twitter? Need a place to follow along? Catching up? I’ve got you covered! I’ll be on Twitter as well, but this will be my place for catching up with all of the days action. Tell a friend! Comments welcome.

[8:09] Well. Good hold from Sorana. Still down a break, 3-2.

[8:01] Crap. Bound to happen eventually. Break for Na…. Li. Li Na. 2-1. Sounds like she was hitting a ton of errors. Sorana will have to up her game here, then.

[7:54] Great straight forward hold from Sorana. Keep the momentum going. What she needs.

[7:51] Breaks to take the set. Lovely. Will serve first in the second. That’s good. If she gets further in that set, it’s basically guaranteed she will tighten up. Helps to serve first.

[7:47] Blows it. Bloody hell. Set points in both games. Definite momentum swing not owning it up to go 6-1. Still has a break.

[7:41] Had my freak out tweet ready. Not yet. Li Na saves some set points, Cirstea will have to come back out to serve it out, up 5-2.

[7:35] 1-5. Bloody frickin’ hell.

[7:28] What the fricky frack? Double break to Sorana, 4-1. Right. Keep er goin’, girl.

[7:24] Quite a long game for Sorana. Not sure if it’s good or bad. Has saved four break points in it.

[7:20] Deuce… ad Sorana… deuce… ad Li. I’m starving and have had too much coffee. Portugal/Spain soon. Fantastic combo.

[7:15] Li Na holds by… hitting the tennis ball. I don’t know, I can’t freaking see it. Sorana to serve. 30-0. Bloody hell.

[7:12] 0-2 Sorana to start. Breathing.

[7:09] Sorana breaks to open. Yes. Great. Get my hopes up.

[7:07] Sorana is on the board. Hope. Here we go. Oh, and two sets to Gulbis now. Think he’ll be fine, if I’m allowed to say that. Clijsters up a set too.

[6:52] I’ve toned my fandom down a lot over nearly three years of the blog, mostly because I want to be able to have followers who are fans of all sorts of players and won’t get tired of my fanboying. Makes sense. And to be honest, I have become more of a fan of the sport for what it is than individual players over the years, and I’m quite ok with that. My Sorana love is not likely to ever fizzle out though. She plays Li Na on court 4 next. She’s probably going to get crushed, but don’t tell me that.

[6:32] Lovely win for Paszek with all eyes on her. Didn’t flinch, and saved match points on the way. Ice cold. At the same time, the best we have seen Wozniacki play in some time, truly. Out powered and out pushed by a better player on the day, but there were hints of aggressive shots she tended to shy away from, and she was making them. She is still far too defensive for grass, but if she can translate that on to hard courts with higher bounces, she will be able to find some major (no pun intended) success. Not one to forget about.

[5:33] What a set of tennis. Tamira takes the tiebreak off of some deep forehands to Wozniacki’s backhand, who couldn’t get down to cope. Well over two hours for this match, and the third set could take some time. Two more matches to come on this court (Clijsters and Djokovic). It could be a long day on centre. Not convinced they will finish all three of these matches. Yikes.

[5:28] People are getting excited about this match. Lovely to see. Paszek very calm but confident under pressure. Saved two match points with a couple of incredible shots. Didn’t hesitate, which was key. Tiebreak.

[5:00] All on serve as we hit 5pm local time. Some big hitting from Paszek. Still nothing on the outer courts, weird fancy tent things are up. Nice that we have some tennis at least.

[4:32] Nice to see Caro winning long points by finishing them off properly, not simply outlasting her opponent and them making an error. Definite swing changes. Still doesn’t quite have the acceleration through the zone with the power, but she’s varying her looks. Hitting to the line more. Less predictable. Long way to go to make a massive difference but it’s a start.

[4:28] Woz racking up winners, racking up momentum. Other courts are still off cause of rain. Not a whole lot going on.

[4:16] Wozniacki never plays the most exciting of styles, and plays incredibly conservatively, but she knows how to play that way and it gives her incredible mental strength. Always knows she’ll be in a point, always knows she’ll be in a match and can turn things around. Pretty fantastic stuff, and not something you see a lot, men or women. Saves set points to take the first, 7-5.

[4:00] Play back on on centre court! About time. Caro and Tamira.

[3:09] Back! In time for rain. Lame… We wait.

[2:26] Literal coffee break for me now. Quite honestly not super interested in any of these matches. Lots more to come today, though.

[2:08] Fantastic win by Sabine. Down 40-0 on Jovanovski’s serve, she went for it and nailed it. Hit some fantastic running down the line forehands, usually landing for winners. Unf. Which matches now… hmmm…

[1:59] Three match points saved by Jovanovski. Wow. Lisicki holds right after though. Looking confident.

[1:43] Decent win for Ivanovic against a tricky opponent. All 3s. Should have done better in the second but tightened it up in the third which is excellent.

[1:38] Crunch time. Lisicki holds. Pressure on BoJo now, 4-5.

[1:33] Or a few more than that. Baaaack. Ivanovic up 2-5. Lisicki and BoJo in a serious grind. 3-4.

[1:07] No first serve is just killing Lisicki right now. Bit volleyball at the moment. Bojangles often finding herself on top of rallies from the off. Tend to be very short points. Lisicki error, 2-1 Bojo. Food time. Gimme 5.

[1:01] Second set Sabine. Killing it.

[1:00] Watson through. What a fantastic win and result for her. Third round. Ivanovic drops the second set. Too busy drooling over Lisicki destroying the ball to care.

[12:55] Break for Sabine. Hit an unbelievable running, down the line forehand winner. Not exactly her game. Above all else, working incredibly hard. Ivanovic up against it here. 2-5 to Sabine.

[12:50] Break for Martinez Sanchez. It’s a shame Ivanovic can’t serve like she used to be able to. Would make such a difference on grass.

[12:48] All holds for Lisicki and Jovanovski here. 2-3. Ivanovic has fought back to 2-3 as well. Handy.

[12:36] Early break for Martinez Sanchez. Biiiiiit of a mess right now.

[12:24] First set Ivanovic. Very up and down. So… an Ivanovic match. Same score, 6-3.

[12:20] First set to Jovanovski. Was able to dig out of some holes on serve, paid off. First serve just above 40% for Sabine which is killing her. Bojangles is getting on top in about 60% of return points, which is trouble with her power.

[12:16] No doubt about it, Jovanovski can hit it with the best of them too. Massive forehand and a pretty solid backhand when on. Continually just going for it on the forehand even though she’s hitting it to the Lisicki forehand. Makes little difference. Break for 5-3.

[12:09] Jovanovski is hanging in there. Holds. 3-4.

[12:05] Bloody hell. So flat and powerful from Sabine. Hitting shots from basically nowhere that send off for winners. Incredible. 3-3.

[12:03] Break for MJMS. Ana not serving well enough, MJMJS just poking the ball around and getting Ana on the run and on the stretch. Back on serve.

[11:59] Pretty freaking excellent love break from Ana. Lovely returning, bending her knees, really hitting the ball cleanly. Not trying to do too much and letting her power speak for itself. Unf.

[11:56] Right. Ivanovic/MJMS, and Lisicki/Bojangles. Both looking good… in white.

[11:54] Hi. What’s a brother gotta do to get some coffee up in… oh right. Make it. Since this is my house. And I don’t have a butler. I see how it is.